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This GMM is significant as we are going to elect five members to Unit 1 Bargaining Committee. This election is conducted nine months prior to our collective agreement expiry date (September 7, 2019).

Preparations for bargaining is a lengthy and labourious process that requires serious engagement of all members elected. After all, the language in our collective agreement (the contract negotiated between the union and the university for the next period) has serious bearing on the working conditions of the 1,000 members in Unit 1, and by extension also on members of Units 2 and 3. We know well that our working conditions both directly and indirectly affect students.

We are holding two special membership meetings with the objective to present, discuss and vote on our local bylaws* that include the changes CUPE National asked our local to make for a full endorsement of the bylaws required by CUPE constitution.

There are two steps to bylaw change. First, the local gives notice to members that change(s) to bylaws is being proposed. The second step of the process takes place at the next general meeting where a discussion about the bylaw amendment(s) takes place, followed by a motion to accept the amendment(s). To make change(s) to bylaws, two thirds of the votes are necessary to pass the changes.

It is understood that members will acquaint themselves with the changes as presented in the first step, and come prepared to discuss and vote in the subsequent meeting.

Here are the amendments to our bylaws as requested by CUPE National. Only the bylaw articles undergoing changes are being presented here. The bold text indicates addition of a new language; cross through text indicates replacement of the old text by the new/bold and/or proposed to be removed. The whole set of bylaws is on our website.

SGMM to give notice of bylaw amendments. This step involves simply notifying members that there are proposed changes to bylaws (in this particular case it involves the entire set of bylaws). May 10, Thursday, from 12 pm – 1:30 pm in WH 324

SGMM to discuss and vote on the amended bylaw package: May 16, Wednesday, from 4 pm – 7 pm in WH 204

there is also a proposed amendment to our Policies. In addition to our default agenda items, following reading of the Equality Statement, it is proposed to also read Recognition of Territory, and hold Moment of Silence for fallen workers. While we have been practicing these two acknowledgements, we need to have this practice recorded.

The main item on the agenda at our annual general meetings is ELECTIONS. See the agenda for this AGM with all the positions that are going to be elected. The positions’ duties are listed in our bylaws.

One large amendment, particular to Unit 1, speaks to strengthening of our bargaining practices by a) adding a Bargaining Research Committee on the roster of standing committees (standing committee means a committee that is mandated to exist and be active by our bylaws), and b) by ensuring greater transparency and collaboration between the Bargaining Committee (the one that meets and negotiates with the employer) and the other committees and membership in reporting on the developments in negotiations.

The other amendment proposes to create another Vice President Position for Unit 1 that would be held by a graduate student member only.

Our March General Members Meeting is on the 22nd at 5 pm, location to be announced.

At the last GMM on February 28, a notice of change to bylaws was given. This means that attending members were presented with proposed changes to the bylaws of our local. On March 22, attending members will be voting on the acceptance of these newly proposed bylaw additions and changes.

The Policy, Bylaw and Finance Committee is tasked with assessing the current bylaws and policies in order to be able to respond to the ever changing environment at our workplace. The addition of the Bargaining Research Committee and the changes to both Bargaining Support and Bargaining Committees reflect the pressing needs of our local to be better prepared for negotiations with the employer.

We will be electing 10 delegates* to CUPE Ontario Convention that runs from May 30 to July 2, 2018 and is held in Toronto.

Our local is affiliated with CUPE Ontario. This provincial body of CUPE holds annual conventions for delegates from CUPE locals all around Ontario. This year is an election year; this means that the delegates will be electing members of the executive board of CUPE Ontario, one trustee and eight caucus representatives. You can see the positions and other so far released logistics by clicking on the convention link above. The whole experience, engagement and learning is free to our members (transportation, accommodation and per diems). It is an opportunity to get involved in your union and see the incredible work the locals and the provincial division do to improve our working conditions, advance equality and social justice that benefits all workers.

*The convention cannot run without the work of convention committees. Any delegate can apply to sit on any one of the five convention committees. Once elected as a delegate at this GMM, let the local know if you would like to put your name forward for one or any of the committees. Deadline for submitting the application for the convention committee service is March 1.

Resolutions

One of the ways that CUPE members engage in shaping their union is by submitting resolutions to the convention’s Resolutions Committee that selects which resolutions are then submitted for discussion by the delegates and subjected to a vote. If adopted by delegates, the executive board and caucus representatives are bound by the resolutions and work on their implementation.

A resolution to be sent to the CUPE Ontario for the convention will presented to members for consideration and recommendation.

Bylaw and Policy changes notifications

Notice to changes to our bylaws and policies will be given on the topics of Bargaining Support Committee, and introducing new Bargaining Research Committee as a standing committee. Subscription policy and Child Care policy changes notification will be given as well. All these bylaws and policy changes will be voted on at the subsequent GMM.

Vote on a by law amendment( small and technical) change to bylaw 16.3** that was announced at GMM in November (adding conferences to capture the range of events to which our local normally elects delegates ).

**16.3 Election of Delegates to conventions/conferences shall be held at a regular General

Membership Meeting. A plurality of votes shall determine the election results. If a

member in good standing of the Local holds an elected position on the executive or on

committees of CUPE National, the Ontario Division of CUPE, the Ontario Federation of

Labour, or the Canadian Labour Congress, he or she shall act as delegate to the

convention or conference without having to run for election.

And any other agenda members deem fit to ad.

And as usual, food and drinks to tie you over while you engage in the work of your union! Yes, attending general meetings is exactly it – engaging. Let your voice be heard!

OUR LOCAL’S UNIT 3, all instructors in ESL services, have been negotiating a new contract for a a few months now. The employer is wielding a heavy hand, pressuring the instructors to accept conditions existing before their unionization.

Come to the Special General Membership Meeting to learn about the current status of Unit 3 bargaining and hear/ participate in the discussion and decision-making about future steps our local will take in the negotiations.

Come to tonight’s SPECIAL GMM if you can, to help UNIT 1 bargaining team protect INSTRUCTOR JOBS! The meeting is on one agenda item only (strike budget) but we also need to send a super strong message to our B.T. that the motion members made at November GMM needs to be honoured. We cannot be split by the employer, unity is of utmost importance- no loss of jobs for instructors!See letter your fellow Instructor, unit 1 member sent last night:Continue reading →

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Upcoming Events

https://cupe.ca/mrm-union-education/event/2274 This is a workshop of interest to our stewards. Cannabis legalization puts Canada on the cutting edge in both the medicinal and recreational use of this remarkable product. However this is likely to result in a learning curve … Continue reading →